Give the gift of homemade vanilla extract
As the days get shorter and my gardens prepare for their winter dormancy, I find myself shifting focus to more creative pursuits. This is the time of year when I start thinking about handmade crafts and thoughtful gift giving for the holidays. Now that our children are grown, we strive to be mindful of holiday gift giving: useful items that they will actually enjoy and use all year long. For friends and family, my heart always goes out to handmade gifts that provide a little warmth and a personal touch.
Over the years, I’ve given gifts of all kinds of homemade treasures: warming spices paired with a bottle of wine or apple cider, fresh wreaths, herbal soaps, nourishing balms and salves, gifts in a jar, homemade decorations and much more. soothing tea blends. These are the gifts I love most: thoughtful, consumable, and handmade with care. I want to encourage a holiday season that is less about overconsumption and more about sharing homemade treasures, saved seeds, jars of preserved goodness, and locally produced goods.
When I buy gifts, I keep in mind that I am supporting local businesses in our community. Not only does this help our neighbors thrive, but it is also better for the environment, reducing the need for shipping and the associated carbon footprint.
Homemade vanilla extract is one of my favorite gifts to make, especially around the holidays. It’s a simple process, but the results are so rich and delicious, perfect for anyone who loves to bake or add a touch of vanilla heat to their favorite recipes.